Trail running on the GR 20 in Corsica
5 days of trail running on the famous GR 20 in Corsica, from Conca to Calenzana, guided by Caroline, UIMLA mountain leader specialised in trail running.
Group
7 Days
Jun - Sep
Very high
Intermediate
Highlights
* Enjoy a thrilling GR20 trail running adventure.
* Join a program that takes care of logistics and luggage transfer.
* Discover the amazing terrains and landscapes of Corsica.
Description
Join me on an unforgettable trail running adventure on the famous GR 20 route from South to North – from Conca to Calenzana – with only a lightweight backpack!
On this program, two experienced guides will supervise you. We have perfect knowledge of the terrain and we will be able to help you on the way. Since your travel bags will be transported to each stop, you will only need to carry your equipment for the day. This will help preserve your energy and optimize your results. As we run through the GR20, we will enjoy the scenery of this “mountain in the sea”. Passages in the forest, many peaks over 2000 m, block routes, and more make this an exceptional running route.
Some of the highlights of this tour include:
- It is a mythical route, both demanding and beautiful.
- It is divided into 7 steps from the South towards the North for a balanced course.
- A transfer of the travel bags and daily assistance for light running.
- The ideal preparation for the UTMB due to its distance or for the Diagonale des Fous due to its technicality.
- Professional advice on how to best prepare.
- Logistics: transfers, assistance, baggage transportation, accommodation, meals.
Keep in mind that this program is for experienced runners. During these 7 days, we will run on average 35km a day and go up from 1500 to 2500 meters. We will mainly be on single tracks and technical trails (stone, névé…). Below you will find more detailed information about the required trail running level you need in order to join. You will also find a list of the equipment that you need to bring with you.
So, are you interested in this beautiful GR 20 trail running adventure? Then contact me and let’s start discussing the details of your trip. It will be a pleasure for me to be your guide and coach during these 7 days! And if you want to practice trail running on UTMB tracks, have a look at this trip!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Transport during the trip
- Luggage transfer
Price details
Price per person to join a group up to 12 clients.
Itinerary
Day 1: Meeting at Bastia, transfer to Conca. Step Conca - Bavella
Briefing, program presentation, equipment, dinner, and overnight in gîte
Day 2: Bavella – Zicavo
Several long, steep climbs in a wild and beautiful setting, dinner and overnight in gîte (dormitories), access to luggage, breakfast at 5:30 then transfer to Calenzana for 6 am and departure
Day 3: Zicavo - Verde
Pointe des éboulis at 2607m in a high-mountain atmosphere, Corsica's highest hest refuge in Corsica, Ciottulu di i mori, Golu springs, natural pools, dinner, overnight in a gîte (dormitory), access to luggage, and breakfast at 5:30 am
Day 4: Verde - Vizzavona
Lac de Ninu on a forest trail, Campotile plateau at 1550m, back on technical terrain, climb up to Bocca alle Porte at 2200m, a long passage alternating passes and summits before the final descent to Vizzavona, access to luggage, and breakfast at 5 am
Day 5: Vizzavona – Col Verghio
Col de Verde at 1289m above sea level, a succession of passes and between 1500 and 2000m altitude, the Tyrrhenian Sea between the Prati Refuge and Usciolu, Cuscionu plateau, dinner, overnight in a sheepfold converted into a gîte, access to luggage, and breakfast at 5 am
Day 6: Col Vergio – Asco
10 h run, 30 km, D+ 2100 m.
Day 7: Asco - Calenzana
11 h run, 30 km, D+ 2200 m. Transfer to Calvi, and overnight in a lodge
Day 8: Transfer to airport and maritime station
Calvi or Bastia.
Details
More info
A minimum number of participants (defined in advance) is required for the departure to take place. If the number of participants is insufficient and the departure is cancelled, clients will be informed via a phone call at least a week prior to the scheduled departure date and will receive a complete refund.
Clients are required to have a multi-risk insurance, covering cancellation fees, rescue and accident, repatriation and baggage loss or theft.
(GR20 en 5 jours en Corse)
Group size: 9 to 12 people.
Required level:
- Regular practice of running and other endurance activities 4-5 times per week for at least 1:15hs
- Regular practice of walking course in varied terrains
- Regular practice of mountain hiking
- Experience and participation in mountain trails of at least 40 km and 2000 m D+
Equipment:
- During the day: a light backpack with a waterproof jacket, a long sleeve warm fleece type, a survival blanket, a whistle, an individual pharmacy kit*, a cap or headband, a hat and thin gloves, sunglasses suitable for running, long tights if you are wearing shorts to run, cereal bars and energy drinks, a plastic bag for waste, biodegradable toilet paper, a headlamp and spare batteries, a minimum reserve water of 1.5L, an elastic strapping strip and some cash
- To wear: running short, a short-sleeved t-shirt, running socks and already worn trail shoes
- For the whole stay: a down, a towel, spare clothes for 8 days, a personal hygiene kit, spare shoes, a spare water socket, spare batteries for the headlamp, a pair of spare laces, sandals for the evening, a pocketknife and earplugs
- Recommended additional equipment: poles and camera
- Individual pharmacy kit: anti-friction cream, sunscreen, double skin dressings, elastic band, paracetamol, anti-diarrheal, antiseptic and personal drugs
Meeting point
Equipment you will need to bring
Equipment: What to bring for the day : - A 20L backpack including - A waterproof jacket - A warm long-sleeved fleece top - Survival blanket and whistle - An individual first-aid kit - Cap or headband - Hat and thin gloves - Sunglasses suitable for running - Long tights if running shorts - Cereal bars and energy drink - Plastic bag for garbage - Biodegradable toilet paper - Headlamp and spare batteries - Minimum 1.5l water supply - Elastic strapping - A small amount of cash - Silk sheet for 1st night + toilet bag What to bring : - Running shorts - Short-sleeved t-shirt - A pair of running socks - Previously worn trail shoes - Silk sheet for 1st night + toilet bag For the whole stay : - Spare clothing for 3 days - Personal toiletries - Spare shoes - Spare water bottle - Earplugs or ear plugs - Spare pair of shoelaces - Pocket knife - Sandals for evening wear Individual pharmacy: - Anti-chafing cream - Sun cream - Double-skin bandages - Elastic bandage - Paracetamol - Anti-diarrheal - Antiseptic - Personal medication Recommended additional equipment : - A pair of walking sticks - Camera
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
-Caroline
4.80
(11)
Mountain Leader
I hold the State Certificate of Mountain Leader (UIMLA), Athlete of Team Garmin Adventure. I won many trail competitions such as Oxygen Challenge, The Glaciers Tour of Vanoise, Albertville Trail, Drayes Blanches of Vercors, the Frison Roche Beaufort, Run and skate of Chamonix… I have also some racing podiums such as the Saintélyon, the Lyon Urban Trail, the Causses Marathon, the Allobroges. I am an ex-sportswoman of high level in rowing (World Championships, World Cups, France Championships). I have a mastery STAPS (Sport) and BEES First degree in rowing. I organise and supervise many trail courses in the Alps with a pro team, a friends group with whom we have a mission: Run and enjoy! I invite you to contact me if you want to train and/or discover these incredible massifs.
Languages
French | English
Certificates
UIMLA
What people are saying about -Caroline
5.00
J'ai eu l'opportunité de participer à deux stages, l'un dans le Cantal, l'autre à Chamonix. Un grand plaisir de partager une passion commune avec des participants très sympas de tous niveaux et de tous horizons. Caroline, une grande professionnelle de la montagne et du trail, n'a pas son pareil pour organiser ces rencontres, et tout cela dans une super ambiance et des paysages à couper le souffle.
5.00
J'ai fait deux stages avec Caro, c'est devenu une amie, et chacun de ces stages m'a laissé des souvenirs inoubliables. Le premier stage en 2014 en Haute Savoie à l'occasion du Trail du Gypaète. Le Deuxième stage en 2015, dans les Calanques de Marseille. Ces stages auront été parfaits à tous les niveaux: Paysages grandioses (on sent qu'ils ont été choisis avec soin), des échanges techniques avec des "pros" (un grand moment quand Caro inspecte les sacs à dos...), pleins de conseils nutrition - mode de vie etc... La découverte des autres stagiaires mais aussi des autres encadrants (très bon contact avec Guillaume Lenormand par ex.). Des conditions matérielles top (hébergement, repas, organisation etc...). Seule critique: le temps passe trop vite, c'est toujours trop court! Donc au final quand c'est fini, on n'a qu'une envie... c'est de repartir pour un autre stage! Et vu le nombre de personnes que l'on croise sur les stages qui en sont à leur n-ième participation, je peux affirmer que ce sentiment est partagé!
5.00
Pour moi le trail c'est avant tout la découverte de nouveaux territoires, les rencontres et les échanges avec d'autres passionnés, le respect de la nature. Mes 3 stages avec Caroline m'ont permis de retrouver ces fondamentaux dans un cadre toujours bon enfant, mais pas moins professionnel. Caroline est une passionnée de montagne et de tout ce qui y touche (sport, culture, gastronomie) et elle sait comme personne transmettre sa passion et ses bons conseils, toujours avec le sourire. Je garde un excellent souvenir des rencontres avec les autres stagiaires et mais aussi avec les autres encadrants, Guillaume, Seb, Cédric, Lydie et tant d'autres rencontrés au cours de ces stages.
James
4.00
Great experience, but definitely favored toward elite runners. One of our guides, JC, was amazing. He cared about every runner. The other guide seemed only to care for the elites (and himself). On top of Col des Montets, I asked if we had time to put on warm layers. The guide said "of course," but then quickly proceeded to run off with the entire group while I stood bare and freezing with my gear unpacked. Total lack of consideration for the well-being of his runners. Otherwise a great tour.
Christopher
5.00
Well organized tour of the TDS course. Amazing views await even if you’re not planning to run the race
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